(CNN) - Rush Limbaugh, the popular conservative talk-show host who's long been lukewarm to John McCain's candidacy, warned the Arizona senator Tuesday picking a pro-choice running mate could devastate the Republican Party.
Referencing reports McCain advisors are seriously considering both former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge and former Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Lieberman - both of whom favor abortion rights - Limbaugh said picking either of those men would ensure a GOP defeat, and damage the party’s brand for years to come.
"How about some discussion from the McCain campaign about a conservative who can be counted on across the board, who can help lead the country in the right direction?" said Limbaugh. "Who can help rebuild the Republican Party? Lieberman can’t do that - and rebuild the conservative movement? McCain nor Lieberman nor Ridge can do that.”
The comments come amid reports senior advisors to McCain are floating both Lieberman and Ridge's names among key social conservatives in an effort to measure the blowback the Arizona senator will face if he names either man to the ticket. One party insider tells CNN that McCain campaign manager Rick Davis has called several state party chairs and indicated Ridge will be the Republican vice presidential pick this cycle.
Limbaugh said Tuesday that the drawbacks of choosing either man far out-weighed any potential benefits.
"McCain has already seen to it that he can walk across the aisle that he’s the top of the ticket," Limbaugh said. "If anybody is going to attract moderates, it’s going to be the top of the ticket guy. He’s not going to help himself any additional way, he’s going to hurt himself by putting a liberal or a liberal Republican on this ticket, particularly pro-choice.”
From CNN Politics
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McCain is a maverick and doesn't need the advice of a hate-monger, like rush.
WHY -GIVE-–RUSH-–IMPORTANCE--ON--THE--SUBJECT-???
mccain, should pick who he wants too. He will pick him today and forget who he picked tomorrow.
Memo to Rush –
People like you have destroyed the Republican party. Hopefully they will move further and further from people like you and we can actually get things done in this country.
What is this Kennedy had to deal with question about the [ope now MCain will have to get permission from the RUSH so sad
get 'em rush! let that lukewarm republican wannabe know who runs this party.
PLEASE PICK LIE-BERMAN. YOU WILL LOSE WITH GREAT EASE AND CALMNESS.
Oooo... A warning from Rush Limbaugh.
What kind of nation gives somebody like him a platform to speak from?
Rush Limpballs is a big, fat liar. He has nothing to offer anyone or this country. He managed to avoid military service, but criticizes others for not joining. Any advice from Limpballs must be seen as an attempt for his self-promotion. What a loser!
Limbaugh. Please. Who put him in charge?
who cares about mccain or limbaugh?vote barr '08
One idiot giving advice to the other idiots.
Limbaugh is the utmost perfect example of what an idiot is made of.
If Limbaugh was so against McCain why did he not challenge McCain's eligibility to be President on the grounds that he is not a natural born citizen, one born in the United States of America. That was and is the meaning by the framers on the U.S. Constitution.
This could be interesting.
Is Rush Limbaugh a real threat to McCain's candidacy?
If McCain got elected, would Limbaugh's pulpit bullier than his?
Who wants to live in a nation where Limbaugh is a power behind the throne, er, presidency?
Stay tuned.
i will vote for McCain only if pick Leiberman as vp....
tell 'em rush!mccain is dooming our party with his pandering to the center for votes!
Sorry but does it really matters... Mcbush will never get my vote. He is a War monger. I need a world without war for my kids. Hey Mcwar or Mcbush my kids(9,2 years and 3 months old) won't go to Irak if you plan to stay there 4for 100 years... only fools will vote you.... Mr rich man.... in short i brand u McRich!
go ahead and pick ridge
Mr. Limbaugh is going to find it a lot harder to share oxycontins with Mrs. McCain if he has to go to the White House to do so. I think he wants McCain to lose.
Limbaugh the hate monger go ahead and advise the old guy. I would htink the last thing any decent man would want is advice from the likes of you.
McCain wont choose a pro choice candidate he has found faith, funny how candidates find faith the when the polls are down.
who cares
Talk about the blind leading the blind!
Liar, Liar.
Rush said what? sorry he put me to sleep...
By The Way – Obama 08